Chapter 569: Chapter 540: United Against a Common Enemy

Xu Chunliang said, "Even though that’s true, I’m really upset inside. I could leave on my own, but being forced out is frustrating." He said this deliberately in front of Zhang Haibin, as such words are more likely to stir up a sense of shared grievance.

At this moment, Zhang Haibin couldn’t help but feel like they were both down-and-out, although he had always hated Xu Chunliang, their situations now appeared similar.

"Just see it positively, when a tree moves it dies, but when a person moves they thrive. You’re so young; your future is surely going to be bright."

Xu Chunliang said, "I’m not satisfied. Speaking of which, what’s the situation with that matter you mentioned back then?"

Zhang Haibin feigned ignorance and said, "Which matter?"

"The situation with the Mountain and Lake Inn," Xu Chunliang replied.

Zhang Haibin coughed and turned his face to the car window, realizing he’s gotten himself into a bind. This fellow didn’t bring him along out of kindness; it was clearly to extract the secrets from the past.

Xu Chunliang said, "Old Zhang, although we’ve had some unpleasantness in the past, it was all work-related; we actually don’t have personal grudges. Our situations are quite similar, both used by others, and similarly kicked out when troubles arise."

Zhang Haibin said, "Since both of us have left, why bring up past matters?"

Xu Chunliang said, "I don’t know what you think, but I’m definitely not satisfied."

Last time, when Zhang Haibin used the situation at the Mountain and Lake Inn to blackmail Changxing, it was Xu Chunliang who pressured him, coercing and enticing him, forcing him to finally back down. He never thought there would come a day when they would be in the same plight.

Zhang Haibin initially planned to never bring up that old matter again, but now that Xu Chunliang wants to know, he couldn’t help but consider that telling Xu Chunliang about it, and letting him retaliate against Changxing, wouldn’t be a bad way to kill two birds with one stone.

Zhang Haibin has always had a personality that harms others without benefiting himself. After being forced out of Changxing, he bore a long-standing resentment towards Changxing Hospital. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have defected to Hua Nian later, becoming Dong Changhao’s assistant, only to be ousted again before even warming up his seat.

Although Zhang Haibin truly hated Xu Chunliang, deep down he hated Changxing even more. He agreed that when Xu Chunliang dealt with him before, he was doing it for Changxing.

Zhang Haibin said, "There wasn’t anything major; it was when Changxing had just taken over Weishan Island Hospital, and some doctors went to the Mountain and Lake Inn to indulge and ended up engaging in group solicitation."

Xu Chunliang knew some of it, but not the details, especially the identities of those involved. He only knew that Gu Houyi stepped in at the time and covered up the matter.

In a low voice, he asked, "Who were they?"

Zhang Haibin hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "Zhao Yongsheng, Tan Guoliang, Chen Mingzhou, Zhang Qingshan..." He listed several names.

Xu Chunliang couldn’t help but laugh when he heard these names. He was familiar with two of them, one was the Director of Neurology, the other was the Deputy Director of Urology.

Zhao Yongsheng was notorious for such matters, so it wasn’t surprising something like this involved him. As for Tan Guoliang, Xu Chunliang was truly surprised; Tan was the husband of Cai Rongjuan, the Director of the Aesthetic Medicine Center, and was famously submissive to his wife. It’s true that oppression breeds resistance.

Zhang Haibin said, "I used to think Changxing Hospital’s doctors had high moral standards, but after this event, I realized they might appear upright, but deep down they’re dirty. What they love most are nothing more than two things: money and women."

Xu Chunliang said, "Changxing was ruined by this bunch of trash."

Zhang Haibin said, "Exactly, Dean Zhao Feiyang is no good either. His idea of equity shares was purely for money. Now that he’s got money, he ditched his wife and daughter. It took no time before he married a young and beautiful new wife."

Xu Chunliang gave Zhang Haibin a knowing look. This guy wasn’t any better either, secretly supporting someone and even having a big child.

Zhang Haibin understood what he meant and said in a low voice, "I’m not like him; I support both sides evenly, ensuring neither is wronged."

Xu Chunliang said, "Zhao Feiyang also only met Pei Lin after his divorce."

"Serves him right. What good can come from a pharmaceutical rep? They’ve got grasslands growing over their heads." Zhang Haibin began to feel a sense of shared perspective and spoke more recklessly.

Xu Chunliang laughed heartily, and seeing him laugh, Zhang Haibin also started laughing, improving the atmosphere between them significantly.

Xu Chunliang took Zhang Haibin to his current workplace, Xingguang Women and Children’s Hospital, as he was also preparing a specialist hospital, and proactively expressed his desire to visit.

Zhang Haibin took him for a tour inside and out. The hospital was invested in by the Min Nan people and was luxuriously decorated. Since it had only just opened, the promotion work was insufficient, and there weren’t many patients. Many doctors worked there part-time.

Xu Chunliang unexpectedly ran into Yu Mo in the hallway. Yu Mo looked a bit embarrassed as she approached him, "Xiaoxu, what are you doing here?"

Xu Chunliang let Zhang Haibin go about his business and smiled, "Sister Yu, I’m just here to tour the hospital."

Yu Mo happened to be free and decided to show him around. She told Xu Chunliang that multi-point practice was permitted now, and she typically came here during her breaks to earn some extra cash.

Xu Chunliang knew the extra cash wasn’t small; for a doctor of Yu Mo’s level, even regular consultations could earn them a thousand per day, with surgery being extra. Even part-time work brought in nearly twenty thousand a month.

Yu Mo advised him not to mention it to others, as her primary job was at Changxing.

Xu Chunliang smiled and said, "I’m now in Hu Shan Town and don’t care about Changxing’s matters."

Yu Mo said, "I plan to do this for a few more months and then go on an aid mission to Xinjiang in the second half of the year."

Xu Chunliang said, "Lu Qi is also going to Xinjiang."

"It’s just a matter of timing, ugh! Let’s not bring it up. I can’t figure out what he was thinking, getting married and then living apart."

Lu Qi’s wedding was originally scheduled for tomorrow as well, but since they couldn’t book their preferred hotel, it got pushed back a month. Yu Li didn’t mind; March weather would be warmer, perfect for wearing a wedding gown and cheongsam.

Xu Chunliang didn’t stay long, exchanged a few pleasantries with her, and left.

Before he even arrived at Huichun Hall, Zhang Hengyang called. Zhang Hengyang evidently realized that his visit to Elder Xu at Huichun Hall wouldn’t stay a secret, so he straightforwardly admitted it to Xu Chunliang.

"Town Mayor Xu, I went to Huichun Hall today, but you weren’t there."

Xu Chunliang said, "If I were there, you probably wouldn’t have gone."

Zhang Hengyang laughed over the phone, "Town Mayor Xu, you sure know how to joke. I went there specifically to see you."

Xu Chunliang said, "Then you should have come to Hu Shan Town. What were you doing at Huichun Hall?"

"I’ve just been having some insomnia lately, so I thought I’d ask Mr. Xu to take a look. Unfortunately, Mr. Xu has decided to retire."

Xu Chunliang said, "President Zhang, having trouble sleeping?"

Zhang Hengyang sighed, "There’s been no end to issues lately, and the psychological pressure is intense. When do you have time to grab a drink and chat?"

Xu Chunliang said, "Next week, I’ll be waiting for you in Hu Shan Town."

Xu Chunliang went home for a bit, only exchanged a few words before Gao Xinhua arrived. The two had agreed to visit Zhao Feiyang’s house together.

Zhao Feiyang was getting married tomorrow, and they went over early to see if there was anything they could help with.

Xu Chunliang thought they’d be going to Zhao Feiyang’s new house but instead, Gao Xinhua took him to the retirement home.

For the first time, Xu Chunliang met Zhao Feiyang’s father, known as Elder Zhao, or Zhao Daqiang.

When they entered, Zhao Daqiang was in a bit of a mood. "What about me wearing a military uniform? Did it embarrass you?"

Zhao Feiyang, looking distressed, pleaded, "Dad, that military uniform is too worn-out, why not get a new one?"

"You think I’m like you, always liking new things and forgetting the old?" Zhao Daqiang had a double meaning, giving Zhao Feiyang no respect even in front of outsiders.

Gao Xinhua and Xu Chunliang exchanged a glance, sensing their visit was poorly timed. Mrs. Zhao saw them and quickly said that guests had arrived.

Zhao Daqiang, in his faded military uniform, came over. "What guests? Xinhua is like family."

Xu Chunliang promptly called out, "Uncle Zhao."

Zhao Daqiang, seeing how young Xu Chunliang looked, didn’t really remember him.

Gao Xinhua hurriedly made introductions, and Zhao Daqiang said, "So it’s Xu Chunliang, famous indeed, famous indeed!"

Xu Chunliang shook Zhao Daqiang’s rough and strong hand, saying, "Elder, as long as meeting me isn’t disappointing."

Zhao Daqiang laughed heartily, "The young ones these days are interesting." His grip was strong, but Xu Chunliang was the type to take it; anyone else might have been howling in pain.

Xu Chunliang, respectful of his age, didn’t apply pressure and laughed, "We came to help, Uncle Zhao. Just let us know if you need anything."

Zhao Daqiang said, "It’s not Feiyang’s first marriage, nothing much to fuss about."

Zhao Feiyang, with an embarrassed face, said, "Brother Xinhua, Chunliang, come in for some tea."

The two followed Zhao Feiyang to his room. Zhao Feiyang said with a helpless smile, "That’s just how my dad is. Brother Xinhua knows, and Chunliang, you might not have encountered it before, but don’t let it get to you."

Xu Chunliang said, "It’s a good temperament, genuine. Dean Zhao, your temper is quite different from your dad’s."

Zhao Feiyang burst into laughter, thinking to himself, "Kid, do you think I can’t tell you’re teasing me?"

Gao Xinhua said, "Is there anything we can help with?" Initially, they came with the intention to help, but upon arrival, the Zhao family hadn’t prepared much, clearly opting for a low-profile approach.

Zhao Feiyang shook his head, "Nothing much needed. Tomorrow I’ll pick up Pei Lin, keeping it simple, just family and close friends. I haven’t really informed the hospital side; I’ve booked ten tables at the Marriott."

Gao Xinhua said, "Ten tables might not be enough, though." Even though Zhao Feiyang wanted it low-key, given his current status and position, uninvited guests would surely show up; there’s no such thing as a secret nowadays.

Zhao Feiyang said, "I’ve got the hotel to prepare five more tables. If people come on their own, we’ll adapt." He turned to Xu Chunliang and said, "Can you come early tomorrow to help with the bride pick-up?"

Xu Chunliang assured him there was no problem at all.